Nutritional Status, Serum Proteins, and Some Trace  Elements in HIV Drug-Naive Patients on  Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy

Michael  Chukwuemeka Ugwu; Innocent  Ikechi Ogbu; Nancy  Amalachukwu Mbachu; Perekeme Frank  Kendabie; Ozoemena  Christian Ike

doi:10.18502/ijml.v9i2.10021

Michael Chukwuemeka Ugwu Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
Innocent Ikechi Ogbu Department of Medical Laboratory Science, Faculty of Health Sciences and Technology, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
Nancy Amalachukwu Mbachu Department of Human Biochemistry, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Nigeria
Perekeme Frank Kendabie Department of Haematology, East Surrey Hospital, Canada Avenue, Redhill, Surry
Ozoemena Christian Ike Department of Industrial Chemistry, Enugu State University of Science and Technology, P.M.B 01660, Agbani, Enugu State, Nigeria

DOI: https://doi.org/10.18502/ijml.v9i2.10021

Keywords: HIV, Malnutrition, Nutrition assessment, Serum protein, Trace elements

Abstract

Background and Aims: This cross-sectional study examined the nutritional status, serum proteins, and some trace elements in human immunodeficiency viruses (HIV) drug-naive patients on highly active antiretroviral therapy.

Material and Methods: Twenty-five drug-naive subjects, 25 subjects on highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART), and 20 control subjects aged 21 to 65 years were conveniently recruited. Serum total protein, albumin, and hemoglobin were assayed spectrophotometrically. In contrast, iron, copper, zinc, and selenium were assayed using Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy. CD4 count was done by Flow Cytometry. Then, the nutritional assessment was performed using a subjective global assessment questionnaire.

Results: Weight, body mass index, and mid-upper arm circumference were significantly lower (p = 0.000) in the drug-naive HIV subjects than in subjects on HAART and control. Serum total protein and copper were significantly higher (p = 0.000) in drug-naive HIV subjects compared to subjects on HAART and control. In contrast, albumin, globulin, albumin-globulin ratio, hemoglobin, iron, zinc, and selenium were significantly lower (p = 0.000) in drug-naive HIV subjects compared to HIV subjects on HAART and control subjects. The CD4 count of drug-naive HIV subjects was significantly lower (p = 0.000) compared to subjects on HAART. In addition, malnutrition was higher in the drug-naive subjects.

Conclusions: Monitoring the course of HIV infection and malnutrition can be aided by incorporating measurements of nutritional status and some trace elements into routine laboratory tests.